Q52. What reasons are given for the second commandment?
The reasons given are: God’s authority over us, that we belong to him, and how strongly he cares about how he is worshipped.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Psalm 95:2–3, 6
“Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. … O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.”
Psalm 45:11
“So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him.”
Exodus 34:13–14
“But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves: For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What reasons does God give for the second commandment?
- 2
What does it mean that "we belong to him"?
- 3
How should it affect the way you worship to know that God cares strongly about how he is worshipped?
Illustration
When you borrow a friend's toy, you follow their rules for how to use it because it belongs to them. We belong to God. He has authority over us. He gets to say how worship works, and he cares deeply that we get it right.
Application
Because you belong to God and not to yourself, ask him to help you worship with reverence and attention this Sunday. Let his authority shape how you approach him.